Physical Therapy and/or Knee Replacement

MICHELLE MILLNER, PT, DPT, OCS

Knee replacement surgery is increasingly popular among patients with knee pain.  It is often touted as a miracle cure.  Simply remove the damaged bone and replace it with new metal and plastic components.  It sounds wonderful, but recent research highlighted by the New York Times suggests that patients with the best outcomes after total knee replacement surgery are those with a specific criteria.  There are, unfortunately, many people who undergo the procedure and struggle through the rehab without significant benefit to their functional level even years after the surgery.

The criteria that seems to indicate that someone will more than likely benefit from the procedure includes being older than 65 years of age and having severe degenerative changes in their knees.  Individuals who are in the earlier stages of degeneration do not seem to have as much of a benefit and younger patients tend to need a revision procedure later in life as the prosthetics wear out after 15-20 years.

This is not to say that patients with knee pain who are younger than 65 and don’t have severe degeneration should not undergo the procedure, however, it is worthwhile to pursue more conservative measures before jumping straight to surgery.

Physical therapy can be very helpful with improving range of motion limitations, strength limitations, and functional mobility limitations.  There is significant research evidence to support strength training, flexibility and movement training to prevent and prolong function in those suffering from arthritic changes.

If you are struggling with knee pain consider consulting with one of our highly skilled physical therapists.   Please call Professional Physical Therapy and Training at 973-270-7417.  Our offices are located within the YMCA locations in Madison and Summit, NJ.  You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to visit us.